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Yachts of every shape, size and style have been sailing into the bustling nautical town of Airlie Beach for the past few weeks, arriving from all over the country to fill marinas and moorings, dotting almost every inch of the horizon with masts and beaming white hulls.
The Whitsundays is now hosting 180 boats with 1,400 crew and a total of 2,500 race week attendees when you include the boat’s support teams and this year is set to be the biggest yet.
Dating back to 1988, Airlie Beach Race Week was started by Don Algie, owner of the Australian franchise of Hogs Breath.
Beginning as the ‘Hog’s Breath Cruising Classic’, the event was part of the annual Whitsunday Fun Race until its popularity saw it branch out on its own to become the regatta we know and love today.
By 2000 the Airlie Beach Race Week was regularly attracting 70 entries annually and a record-breaking 132 boats competed in the 2003 regatta.
In 2020 the Airlie Beach Race Week was one of the only regattas in the country to host an event despite the pandemic limiting numbers.
This year, organisers say they are looking forward to the biggest year in the event’s history.
Separate column – photo 2
Message from the Race Director
Welcome to the 34th Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing at Whitsunday Sailing Club. After the highs and lows of the past couple of years, it is great to finally see a record fleet here in Airlie Beach. The large fleet has thrown the organising committee some challenges, particularly securing sufficient berthing for the fleet, but once again our team has done a wonderful job in fitting everyone in.
Once again, the on-water team will be working hard to ensure 6 days of fantastic racing around the waters and islands of the Whitsundays. A fleet in excess of 180 boats makes for exciting sailing on the water and a great experience on shore. The fleet has been split into 15 divisions (another record) to ensure that similar boats are in direct competition.
As in recent years the regatta will start with the mass start race out to Double Cones Island. This has become a regatta tradition, and with the large fleet will provide a wonderful spectacle for competitors, spectators and media alike. The spectacle of 180 boats, mostly under spinnaker, heading off together is really something to be experienced.
On shore, the festival village has again moved back to its traditional location on the lawns of the club, with the marquee, entertainment and plenty of food vans and bars. Upstairs, the club’s bistro and bar will be open, with the balcony overlooking the village. The Long Lunch on Sunday will also be held on the balcony, providing guests with an opportunity to look out over the racing area.
We look forward to seeing you all on the water and at the social events ashore.
Ross Chisholm
Regatta Chairman and Race Director
Airlie Beach Race Week attracts record number of yachties to biggest year yet!
